charlieannear Posted April 6, 2008 Report Share Posted April 6, 2008 Following on from my clutch/gearbox post, I'm looking for a new outboard. Thanks guys for all your comments re E-Tec, Mariner and Tohatsu, they have helped me a lot! I have decided on a 75hp unit, due to the old 50hp struggling a bit. I have decided on a new direct injection 2 stroke rather than older carb one, due to noise and fuel effiency advantages. The only similar specced 4 stroke that I could see was a Mariner 80hp which was both quite a bit more expensive and also a bit heavier than it's 2-stroke equivalents. I have had fitted quotes on both a 75 Evinrude E-Tec and a 75 Mariner Optimax, which are only slightly more than the 75 Tohatsu TLDI from Extreme Marine, delivered (which I would then have to have fitted). So shortlist of E-Tec and Optimax. The Optimax comes in slightly cheaper than the E-Tec, and has 5 year warranty whereas E-Tec has 3 years. As I previously said the Mariner will also interface with my Navman plotter, giving me a whole set of extra readings, including fuel flow and consumption. So I am leaning towards the Mariner. The local Mariner dealers are Select, Salterns and Holes Bay Marine. I understand all to be pretty good? Can any E-Tec and Optimax owners help me out by giving me a general idea on servicing costs? Is there anything else I need to consider? Thanks, Charlie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul D Posted April 6, 2008 Report Share Posted April 6, 2008 Charlie, Don't know the servicing cost for the E-Tec as not needed for 3 years However, I understand that the service involves changing injector seals along with impellor / gearbox oil plus some fancy diagnostic stuff ? and is probably Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maverick Martin Posted April 6, 2008 Report Share Posted April 6, 2008 Charlie I had an optimax for 7 years. The only money I spent on it was for an annual service. Only ever had one problem being a faulty sensor sorted our under warranty by Tony @ select marine. I understand that etecs are claimed to have a 3year/300 hour service period but if I owned one there is no way I would leave a service for that long. The last place you need problems is out on the briny. Noise and fuel consumption will be similar so at the end of the day I think there will be very little in it. Why not get a quote for supply from a local company you might be pleasantly surprised and will probably get a good deal on fitting also. If needs be use your existing quote as a bargaining tool. Whatever you decide to go with have fun and enjoy your purchase. Martin BTW imo a perfect size engine for your boat Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
duncan Posted April 6, 2008 Report Share Posted April 6, 2008 I would echo everything Martin has said - either will do the job; any issues will be down to the actual unit rather than the model/make and get it supplied,installed and serviced by the same firm. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Coddy Posted April 6, 2008 Report Share Posted April 6, 2008 Hi Charlie Be warned I have an issue with Select Marine! I won't post anything here yet as I need to see what response they are going to do but will report back on the forum whatever the outcome. Coddy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
charlieannear Posted April 22, 2008 Author Report Share Posted April 22, 2008 Getting there... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Adam F Posted April 22, 2008 Report Share Posted April 22, 2008 Ooooooh Nice!! Glad it had a happy outcome. Been there, done that a few years ago - the new lump always helps forget the problems.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
charlieannear Posted April 23, 2008 Author Report Share Posted April 23, 2008 "There are no problems, only Challenges." Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maverick Martin Posted April 23, 2008 Report Share Posted April 23, 2008 Charlie I bet your like a dog with two tails. In my opinion Optimax outboards are first class and I look forward to reading your review. Martin Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rob Posted April 23, 2008 Report Share Posted April 23, 2008 I think the review might read - "took boat out with new 75opti and scared myself" Rob Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
charlieannear Posted April 23, 2008 Author Report Share Posted April 23, 2008 You know that episode of Only Fools and Horses where Del Boy disappears over the horizon on a Jetski.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
charlieannear Posted May 6, 2008 Author Report Share Posted May 6, 2008 Ably assisted (OK, led) by Rob Francis, I took Star Turn out yesterday to run in the Opti and I am pleased to report that it performed faultlessly. Following running in advice, we ran for an hour at quarter throttle and 2 hours at half throttle (frequently varying revs slightly all the time). I'm certainly looking forward to next time out when I can open the throttle a bit further! The motor starts easily, it's very quiet in the water and only used 14 litres of fuel (even though the boat wasn't properly up on the plane) going out to Old Harry, over to Poole Patch and back to the slip. I've also got a whole suite of engine data available on the Navman plotter via the Smartcraft interface- hours of fun button pressing to be had there! Rob also saw how it's quite a complicated set of arrangements that have to be in place in order to get the boat out of my drive, and even more complicated to get it back in again, eh Rob?! Rob might also like to comment on what a fine ride and fishing platform the "Porno Boat" (as he calls it) provides. Anyway, next time out I can open the throttle on the Opti a bit further and do some performance trials... watch this space! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gaffa Posted May 6, 2008 Report Share Posted May 6, 2008 Wel Done Charlie, Glad to hear you've sorted out Star Turn and the outboard. I'll keep a special lookout for an overtaking shetland next time I'm Out Bet you can't keep off the throttle for long Peteg Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Manic Moore Posted May 12, 2008 Report Share Posted May 12, 2008 "Porno boat" Rob you are watching the wrong films Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rob Posted May 12, 2008 Report Share Posted May 12, 2008 Sorry Gordon, don't want to step on your toes! Charlie, Careful don't let Gordon set eyes on Star Turn, I think he is getting the wrong idea! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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